Charlotte, NC - The Regent University Women's Soccer team opened Saturday's regular season finale with an early offensive spark, as Freshman
Lauren Pond (Midlothian, VA) found the back of the net just over two minutes into the match. Despite a determined effort and several second-half scoring opportunities, the Royals would fall to Johnson & Wales University bny a final score of 4-1.
Regent wasted little time making its presence felt, as Pond capitalized on an offensive opportunity at the 2:05 mark, finishing a play set up by Junior Faith Perez (Bakersfield, CA) to give the Royals an early lead. Despite trailing at halftime 2-1, Pond continued to lead the Royals' attack, recording a shot on goal in the 49th minute that forced a save from the Wildcats' goalkeeper. Regent continued searching for the equalizer, generating several opportunities as the half progressed. Fifth Year Kateri Esposito (Virginia Beach, VA) contributed an offensive chance in the 71st minute, while Senior Anna Teague (Salisbury, NC) followed with a shot in the 74th minute. The Royals earned a corner kick shortly afterward, taken by Sophomore Kylie Gaines (Ramsuer, NC), which helped create another opportunity for Pond. Her attempt in the 75th minute was turned away by the Johnson & Wales goalkeeper.
Pond was the driving force behind Regent's offensive production, finishing with a team-high five shots, including three on goal, while accounting for the Royals' lone score. Defensively, goalkeeper Senior Kristen Miller (Peoria, AZ) worked throughout the full 90 minutes, recording four saves helping the Royals withstand several stretches of offensive pressure. Regent also received contributions from Senior Sierra Smullen (Snow Hill, MD), Junior Serenity Cortez (Fresno, CA), Freshman Audrey Bailey (Powhatan, VA), Freshman Finley Hunter (Virginia Beach, VA) and Perez, who each played the full 90 minutes.Â
The Royals will now turn their attention to the Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference Tournament where they will be the 6th seed. They are scheduled to play Thursday, November 5th against the third seed. Stay tuned to www.regentroyals.com for updated game information.
